Horny goat weed (Epimedium Sagittatum)

Last modified: April 29th, 2015 by Men's FAQ - Dr. Vavere

Epimedium Sagittatum (commonly known as Horny goat weed) has a two-thousand-year history of use as a sex-enhancer. Scientific texts on Chinese herbs and top medical doctors in Shanghai report that horny goat weed boosts libido and improves erectile function. In fact, various species of the herb Epimedium are purported to have aphrodisiac properties, especially E. sagittatum.

For this reason, the plants are employed to treat impotence, as well as to increase libido or sexual desire. According to Chinese herbal folklore, the “horny goat weed” was discovered by a goat herder who noticed sexual activity among the herd after the animals ate the plant.

How Epimedium Sagittatum works

In addition to increasing sexual desire in men, Epimedium Sagittatum is thought to help men with erectile dysfunction. In general, horny goat weed inhibits the enzyme AChE, which in turn, increases the level of neurotransmitters that are associated with arousal. Preliminary animal studies suggest that part of epimedium’s effects may be due to its ability to stimulate endocrine secretions of a type of androgen. Androgens are substances, such as androsterone and testosterone, which stimulate male sex characteristics.

Its main active ingredient is known as icariin, which works by increasing levels of certain chemicals in the body, such as nitric oxide, which relaxes smooth muscle of several organs including penis, and thus allowing more, wider passage of blood through the penis. This results in thicker, longer, firmer and stronger penile erections. Therefore, it has been suggested that Icariin, the main active chemical compound in Epimedium, inhibits the activity of PDE-5, in a similar way as the pharmaceutrical drugs sildenafil, commercially known as Viagra® and vardfenafil (Levitra®).

Also, through research, horny goat weed has been found to have testosterone-like effects. It stimulates sexual activity for both men and women, increases male sperm production, stimulates the sensory nerve endings, and increases overall sexual desire. Epimedium has also been shown in a pharmacologic study of 104 individuals to enhance sexual vitality in a majority of the male subjects.

As the plant is native to the China, it is almost impossible to get the fresh form of Epimedium elsewhere. It is, therefore, cheaper and best to use this potent sex herb in supplement form. Its effects are even significantly enhanced when it is combined with other safe and recommended herbs to enhance male sexual health and potency. One of such powerful supplements is Male Extra which not only contains significant quantities of horny goat weed but is also composed of some of the other well-known herbs and fruits that function all together to improve penis size, performance and potency.